Pump assembly



Oct. 20, 1942. E. M. PFAU'SER PUMP ASSEMBLY Filed May 29, 1941 AT TO R-NEY..

Patented Oct. 20, 1942 PUMP ASSEMBLY Edward M. Pfauser, lillml Grove, Wil., assigner to Blackhawk Mfg. Co'., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation. of Wisconsin Application May 29, 1941, Serial No. 395,768'

(Cl. 10S-41) 15 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to improvements in pump assemblages, and relates more specifically to various improvements in the construction and operation of relatively compact but powerful manually operable pumps4 of the general type shown and described in my prior Patent No. 2,165,504, granted July 11, 1939, and

which are especially useful in effecting operation and manipulation of metal bending machines or tools of various kinds'.

An object of my present invention is to provide an improved pump assembly which is simple in construction and eiilcient in operation.

As disclosed in my prior patent above identified, it has heretofore been proposed to vutilize hydraulic power for various purposes such as repairing damaged automobile parts or the like;

and the requisite power may be generated with l operator is free to use both hands in order tol manipulate the pump; it frequently happens that the available working space is extremely limited, and that the operator is obligated to utilize one hand for positioning and holding the work engaging tool thereby leaving only the other hand free for manipulation of the pump. Then too, such equipment is used extensively in garages and other places where it is subject to rough usage. and since the pumping -unit must necessarily be provided with relatively delicate valves and control elements, it is desirable to protect these parts as much as possible against damage or breakage due to abuse. If the size of the pump assembly is materially reduced, the power available must still be maintained at a maximum; and

in order to permit convenient carrying of these pump umts it is also desirable to have them constructed so that they may -be collapsed and locked in compact condition. l

It is therefore a more specific object ofthe present invention to provide an improved hydraulic pump unit which ils-extremely compact ,in structure but powerful in action.

Another speciiic object ofthe invention is to provide a new and useful manually operable hydraulic pump which is adapted to be manipulated with one hand on the order of a pair of pliers A further specinc object of my invention is to provide an improved relatively powerful pump assembly which can be conveniently operated in extremely cramped quarters, and which is adapted to be carried in -an ordinary coat pocket or the like.

Still another specific object of my present invention is to provide an improved hydraulic pump assemblage having a self-contained liquid supply reservoir, and which is adapted to be compactly collapsed into inactive position and locked in such condition.

An additional specific object of this invention. is to provide an improved hydraulic pump structure which is manually operable with least effort, and wherein relatively delicate parts are amply concealed and protected.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide an improved portable pump unit capable of being operated in any position, which is extremely neat and attractive in appearance, and which can be manufactured and sold at moderate cost.

A further specic object of my invention is to provide an improved lever actuatedihydraulic pump in which the actuating force is most effectively applied, and which can -be safeb" operated by a novice.

g These and other specific objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detened description,

A clear conception of the several features constituting my present improvement, and of the mode of constructing andyof manipulating hydraulic pumps embodying the invention, maybe had 4by referring to the drawing accompanying and forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate the same or l similar parts in the various views.

Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal vertical section through one of my improved manually' operable shown and described as beingl specincally embodied in a pocket-size manually operable portable handle-actuated hydraulic pump assemblage especially cooperable with a hydraulic ram, it is not my intent or desire to thereby unnecessarily restrict the'scope of the invention or the adaptation of these featuresto other types of pumps.

Referring to the drawing, the improved hydraulic pump unit comprises in general, a main pump casing 6 having a bore 1 therein forming a liquid displacement chamber 8; a piston or lplunger 9 reciprocable `within the casing bore 1 to introduce liquid into the chamber 8 past a suction valve Ill, and to deliver the liquid from said chamber past a discharge valve II;,an elongated tubular liquid supply reservoir I2 communicable with the valve I and chamber il, and projecting away from the casing 3 to provide one ac u ting handle for the pump; a release or bypass valve I3 operable by means of a handle or knob I4 disposed externally of the casing 5, to permit return of liquid to the reservoir I2 around the pump displacement chamber 8; a lever l5 swingablysuspended from the main casing 5 by means of a pivot pin I5, and extending across the top of the plunger 9' and in the same general direction as the reservoir I2 to provide another'A actuating handle for the pump swingable toward and away from the reservoir handle; one or more tension springs I1 connecting the forward end of the lever I5with the casing 6 so as to constantly urge the lever handle away from the reservoir handle; and means associated with the corresponding ends of the reservoir I2 and leverv I5 remote from the casing S, for detachably locking the handles in inactive position.

The main pump casing 6 may be provided with lower supports or feet I8, as shown in Figs.l 2 and 4. The suction valve I0 is locatedin a conduit I9 formed in the casing 6 and communicating with the liquid supply reservoir I2; while the discharge valve II is located in the medial portion of a conduit 20, one end of which is communicable with a ram or other pressure Aoperated device through a exible hose 2I and coupling 22, shown `in Fig. 4, and the opposite end of which is communicable past the manual release valve I3 with the reservoir I2, as shown in Fig. 1. A safety valve 23 located in a, conduit 24 which is communicable with the reservoir I2, may also be provided, and all of the automatic valves Ill, II, 23 may be of the ball type normally urged toward their seats by compression springs as shown., The suction valve I0 is accessible )by means of a removable plug 25, while the discharge valve II is likewise accessible by means of another removable plug 26; and the tension or pressure at which the safety valve 23 will act, is adjustable by means of shim washers of proper thickness coacting with a screw plug 21 which also serves to' permit accessto this valve. The by-pass' or release valve I3, is the only manually controlled valve of the group, and is readily manipulable with the aid of the knob I4 which is adapted to project through a central opening 28 formed in the pump actuating lever I5. The Y medial portion of the stem of the valve I3 has adjustable screw thread coaction with an adjust-- with the displacement chamber 8, the upper end thereof is provided with a bifurcated head 30 which slidably engages a pin 3I carried by the lever I5 close to the lever \pivot I6. With this arrangement, the leverage available for actuation of the plunger 9 is increased toa maximum, and the plunger 9 is embraced by a suitable packing 32 so as to prevent leakage of liquid therealong. The tension springs I1 are secured at one end to the main casing I5 by means of a pin 33 and have their opposite end hooked through openings 34 in the extreme forward end of the lever I5; and the portion of the lever I5 adjacent to the pump, is widened and provided with opposite side walls 35 thus forming a hood which conceals and protects the hidden parts.

The tubular liquid supply reservoir I2 may be formed of a piece of pipe of suitable length and is rigidly secured to the end of the main casing 6 remote from the pivot pin I6 and springs I1 in any suitable manner, as by means of brazing, shrink tting, or screw threads 36, see Fig. 1. The interior of the reservoir I2 is provided with a. freely slidable piston or division Wall 31 provided with opposed cup-shaped packings 38, and the reservoir chamber 39 on the pump side of this movable partition wall 31 is in constant communication with the suction and release conduits I9, 24 and is normally completely filled with liquid such as oil. The opposite side of the liquid conning wall 31 is constantly exposed to the atmosphere, and a removable screw 4I] disposed centrally of the, wall 31 serves to effectventing of the chamber 39 `and introduction of the liquid supply. With this assemblage, atmospheric pressure will constantly urge the wall 31 toward the pump, so that when liquid is withdrawn from the chamber 39 past the suction Valve ID the piston wall 31 will move toward the casing 6, whereas return of 'liquid to the chamber 39 past -the release valve I3 will cause the wall to move away from the pump.

The improved means for locking the lever I5 in inactive position as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a closure cap 4I coacting with screw threads 42 formed on the free end of the reservoir I 2 remote from the casing 6, and having an annular groove 43 therein adapted to receive a lug 44 formed integral with the corresponding end of the lever I 5. The reservoir closure cap 4I is also provided with one or more vent openings 45 for permitting air to enter the space within the reservoir I2 on the outer side of the wall 31, and the periphery of the cap 4I is preferably knurled or otherwise roughened'so as to facilitate rotation thereof. When the cap 4I is positioned as shown in Fig. 3, the

pump actuating lever I5 is free to be oscillatedI toward and away from the reservoir I 2, but if the lever I5 is pressed down and the cap 4I is screwed outwardly so that the lever lug 44 becomes conned within the cap recess or groove 43 as shown in Fig. 1, then the lever I5 will be locked in inactive position and the pump assemblage will assume its most compact form.

While the normal operation and use of the improved pump assemblj/ should be apparent from the foregoing Vdescription of its construction, a short rsum thereof will be given. In order to place the pump in condition for operation, it is only necessary to rotate the cap 4I at the end of the reservoir handle, to cause the same to move along the screw threads 42 from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 3; and as soon as the locking lug 44 is released, the springs I1 will become effective to swing the lever i away from the reservoir I 2-to the position shown in Fig. 4. Liquid may then be pumped from the reservoir chamber 39' to the work, by closing the release valve I3 and manipulating the lever and reservoir handles in the manner of a pair of plier or tong handles, and this operation may be effected with one hand since thev spring or springs I'I will always tend to separate the handles whenever the collapsing pressure exerted by the operators hand is released. The oscillation of the lever I5 will reciprocate the pump plunger 9, which during its outward or suction stroke will withdraw liquid from the supply chamber 39 past the suction valve I0, and during its inward or delivery stroke will force liquid from the displacement chamber B past the discharge v lve II into the conduit 20. From the conduit Il, the liquid will flow under pressure throughthe coupling 22 and hose 2| to the ram or other hydraulically actuated apparatus, and this apparatus is ordinarily provided with means for urging the liquid back toward the pump when the work has been performed. Upon such completion of the work, relative oscillation of the handles may be discontinued, and the by-pass or release valve I3 may be opened by turning the knob I4. Liquid under pressure from within the hose 2l and conduit 20 will then be free to flow around the pump and directly into the reservoir chamber 39 through the conduit 24; and in the event that the pressure created in the chamber 8 should exceed the setting of the safety valve 23,

then liquid will also be returned through' the conduit 24. directly to the supply reservoir. As previously indicated, 4the piston wall 3'I within the reservoir I2 will iioat to accommodate the withdrawal and return of liquid from and to the reservoir chamber 39, and when the pump is no longer in use, the lever I5 may be locked in inactive position with the aid of the cap 4I as shown in Fig. 1.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be apparent that the present invention provides an improved pump assembly which is extremely simple and durable in construction, and which is moreover highly efficient and flexible in usea The improved assemblage is very compact but powerful in action, by virtue of the specific construction and formation of the lever I5, and the inclined disposition of the pump plunger 9, whereby the pins IB, 3I may be located closely adjacent to each other, )The formation of this handle lever I5 also insures maximum protection of the relatively delicate working parts, and furthermore protects'the release valve knob I4 which whilev being completely surrounded by the lever, is still conveniently manipulable irrespective of the position of the pump actuating handle. The improved assemblage for locking the lever I5 in collapsed or inactive position, makes it possible to readily transport and store the pump assemblage in minimum space, and the use of the spring or springs II facilitates manipulation of the pump and permits operation with one hand. The new pump assemblage can obviously be conveniently operated in relatively cramped quarters, and the reservoir assemblage performs the dual function of storing the necessary supply of liquid and of facilitating ready operation of the pump assembly. The improvementhas proven highly successful in actual commercial use, especially for the purpose of actuating a ram or similar device provided With means for returning the liquid under pgessure after the work has been performed. The assemblage can be manufactured at moderate cost, and obviously presents a neat and attractive appearance besides possessing considerable utilityf It should be understood that it is not desired to limit this invention to the exact details of construction, or to the precise mode of use, herein shown and described, for various modifications Within the scope'of the claimsv may occur to persons skilled ln the art.

I claim:

1. In combination, a pump casing having a displacement chamber therein, a displacement member reciprocable in said chamber, an elongated supply reservoir projecting from said casing and being communicable with said chamber, a pump displacement member actuating lever pivotally attached to said casing and extending in the same general direction as said reservoir to urge said member in one direction, and means constantly tending to urge said lever away from said reservoir.

2. In combination, a pump casing having a bore, a displacement plunger reciprocable in said bore, an elongated tubular'supply reservoir projecting from said casing and being communicable with said bore, a pump plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said casing and extending across said plunger in the same general direction as saidA reservoir, said lever being swingable toward said reservoir to urge said plunger into said bore, and resilient means coacting with said lever to constantly urge the same away from said reservoir.

3. In combination, a pump casing having a bore, a displacement plunger reclprocable in said bore, an elongated tubular supply reservoir forming an actuating handle rigidly attached to and projecting laterally from one side of said casing, a pump plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with the opposite side of said casing and forming another actuating handle extending across an end of said plunger in the same general l direction as said reservoir, said lever being swingable toward said reservoir to move said plunger in one direction within said bore, and aspring coacting with said lever to constantly urge the same away from said reservoir and said plunger in the opposite direction.

4. In combination, a pump having a reciprocable displacement plunger, an elongated tubular supply reservoir rigidly secured to and projecting laterally away from said pump, a pump plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said pump and coacting with said plunger to lar supply reservoir rigidly secured to and projectinglaterally away from said pump, a pump plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said pump and coacting with said plunger to move the same, said lever extending in the same general direction as said reservoir and cooperating therewith to provide a pair of plier handles manipulable withone hand, means coacting with said lever and constantly urging the same away from' said reservoir, and a 'closure cap adjustawith said reservoir to provide a pair of handles `for said plunger extending in the same general an externally manipulable knob for by-passing vbly associated with the free end of said reservoir and being cooperable with the corresponding end of said lever to lock said handles in inactive position.

6. In combination, a pump having a displacement plunger, an elongated tubular liquid sup-r` ply reservoir forming an actuating handle for said pump, a plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said pump and forming a second actuating handle therefor, said handles extending in the same general direction and being rela-- tively oscillatable with one hand, and a closure cap for said reservoir movable along the latter and being co-operable with said second handle to lock said handles to each other. 15

'7. In combination, a. pump having a displacement plunger, an elongated tubular liquid supply reservoir forming an actuating handle for said pump, a plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said pump and forming another actuating handle therefor,L said handles extending in the same general direction and being re1- atively oscillatable with one hand, and an end closure cap for said reservoir having an annular groove cooperable with a lug on the corre- 25 sponding end of said lever to lock saidlhandles in inactive position.

8. In combination, a pump casing having am displacement chamber, an elongated tubular reservoir secured to said .casing and beingcommunicable with said chamber, a plunger movable in said casing at an oblique angle relative to the axis of said reservoir, and a. lever pivotally suspended from said casing and cooperating operable with one hanzl to actuate said plunger, said lever being operatively connected to said plunger.

9. In combination, a pump having a displacement plunger, an elongated tubular liquid supply reservoir secpred to said pump, a release valve mechanism for by-passing liquid to said reservoir around said plunger and projecting externally-of said casing/'and an actuating lever direction as and foldable over said reservoir and having portions surrounding said projecting release valve mechanism.

10. In combination, a pump having a displacement plunger and externally manipulable means for by-passing liquid around the plunger, a tubular reservoir forming a handle for' manipulating the pump, and a lever forming another handle for effecting actuation of said plunger with one hand, said lever being formed to conceal said plunger and to protect said by-pass means.

11\.fIn combination, a pumpl having a displacement plunger and a valve provided with 13. In combination, a pump casing having a l tubular liquid supply reservoir projecting laterally therefrom and being provided with a displacement bore extending at an oblique angle away from the reservoir axis, a plunger reciprocable in said bore, and a' plunger actuating lever pivotally associated with said casing near the outer end of said plunger and cooperating with said reservoir to provide cooperating pump'actuating handles operable with one hand.

14. In combination, a pump casing having a tubular liquid supply reservoir projecting laterally away from one side of the central casing axis and being provided with a bore extending ai:l an oblique angle in the opposite direction away from the point of intersection of said casing and reservoir axes, a displacement plunger reciprocable in said bore and having a'bifurcated end head disposed externally of the casing, .and a plunger actuating lever pivotally suspended from said casing closely adjacent to said plunger head and being operatively connected to the bi- -furcation thereof, said lever extending across said plunger and cooperating with said reservoir to provide a pair of plier pump actuating handles pperable with/one hand,

15. In combination, a pump casing having a tubular liquid supply reservoir projecting laterally away from one side of the central casing axis and being provided with a bore extending at an oblique angle in the opposite direction away from the Apoint of intersection of said casing and reservoir axes, a displacement plunger reciprocable in 'said bore and having a bifurcated end head disposed externally of the casand a tension spring connecting said casing with the extreme end of said lever adjacent to --itssuspension pivot.

EDWARD M. PFAUSER. 

